HISTORY & HERITAGE

As stewards with Midwestern roots, The Cotton Collection is united by an unwavering commitment – to our guests, our team, and the treasured places we are privileged to steer forward.

Led by our visionary owners, Jon & Lauren Cotton and a devoted team, The Cotton Collection spans generations, representing more than a hospitality group; we are a living legacy of care, connection, and place.

Our promise is luxury with heritage, through high-touch hospitality – one unforgettable experience at a time.

OUR HISTORY

1820

The Harbour View Inn on Mackinac Island, has deep roots dating back to 1820. Originally built as the private residence of Madame Magdelaine La Framboise, a prominent fur trader and “first lady of the island,” this historic landmark completed a full property transformation in 2025 that reimagined the guest rooms, spectacular gardens, public spaces and lobby.

1886

Built in 1886 in Petoskey, Michigan, Bay View Inn is a historic Victorian landmark within the Bay View Association. Renowned guests like Helen Keller, Booker T. Washington, and William Jennings Bryan have stayed here. Famously associated with the Chautauqua movement, Bay View is a historic treasure on Little Traverse Bay since the late 19th century

1899

The Hotel Perry in Petoskey, Michigan, has a rich history dating back to 1899. Built by Dr. Norman Perry and constructed of brick, making it “fireproof”, the historic landmark stands as the only one of approximately 20 original luxury resort hotels in the area that remains in operation today. Perhaps the hotel’s most famous guest is Ernest Hemingway, who checked into the Hotel Perry on June 10, 1916.

1904

Hotel Iroquois on Mackinac Island began as the private residence for local blacksmith Robert Benjamin. The magnificent boutique hotel enjoyed a 66-year ownership by Sam and Margaret McIntire (1954-2020), and was inducted in the Historic Hotels of America in 2023. The property has seen only two family-to-family ownership changes since it first opened as a hotel in 1904.

1934

Originally built in 1934 and used as a water taxi for the Harbor Point Association, the Pointer Boat was restored in 1989, updated to modern Coast Guard standards, and now offers scenic tours and private charters, departing from the Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

1955

Before becoming a restaurant, the site was home to the Argo Milling Company, originally built in 1886. Situated along the Pine River Channel, in 1955 the historic structure found new life as the Weathervane, transforming an industrial waterfront landmark into one of Charlevoix’s most enduring dining destinations, rooted in maritime history and lakeside tradition.

1958

The Carriage House restaurant at Hotel Iroquois on Mackinac Island was opened in 1958 by Sam and Margaret McIntire.The restaurant is renowned for its waterfront dining and has been a staple of the Iroquois Hotel since its establishment.

1971

The Pier Restaurant is a historic waterfront landmark built on original pilings over Little Traverse Bay. Operating since 1971, it honors Harbor Springs’ maritime heritage, featuring the Pointer Room (formerly a 1930s taxi boat house), lakeside Deck, vintage photography, and scenic dining that has anchored the harbor for over 50 years.

2020

The Cotton Collection is founded. As stewards with Midwestern roots, led by owners Jon & Lauren Cotton, the collection of boutique hotels, restaurants and experiences serve an unwavering commitment to our guests, our team, and the treasured places we are privileged to steer forward.

2026

Harbour View Inn completes a full property transformation that reimagined the guest rooms, spectacular gardens, public spaces, lobby and adds Pedals Harbour Grille as lakeside dining offering.

THE COTTON COMMITMENT

As stewards with Midwestern roots, The Cotton Collection is united by an unwavering commitment – to our guests, our team, and the treasured places we are privileged to steer forward.

Through our boutique hotels, restaurants and storied destinations, The Cotton Collection–along with our visionary owners and devoted team–spans generations, representing more than a hospitality group. We are a living legacy of care, connection, and place.

As stewards with Midwestern roots, The Cotton Collection is united by an unwavering commitment – to our guests, our team, and the treasured places we are privileged to steer forward.

This is our commitment: To preserve. To delight. To belong.

YOU BELONG HERE

Indulge your sense
of wonder

With every arrival, lakeside breeze, locally-sourced
dish and exceptional experience, we invite guests
into a world of unexpected luxury.

BOOK YOUR STAY

As stewards with Midwestern roots, The Cotton Collection is united by an unwavering commitment – to our guests, our team, and the treasured places we are privileged to steer forward.

Indulge your sense of wonder

Indulge your sense
of wonder